Knit Long

A History of Knitting in a nutshell

Knitting is the art of knotting, that is making loops and knots in a length of yarn or thread into a piece of fabric using needles. Current research places the origins of hand knitting in the middle east, the techniques probably made their way to Europe via the Mediterranean.

Knitting was used mostly to create necessary garments to protect aginst the elements in most european cultures. Different yarn and wool producing areas developed their own styles of knitting and garment making, for example, the Shetland Islands with the Shetland Shawl of the 17th Century - a finely knitted lace shawl with neither a cast on or cast off edge. The cable knit thought to originate in Ireland and the Aran knitted sweaters containing specific designs thought to originate from the 9th Century.

During times of economic and social change, the art of knitting was used not only in fishing ports but also by farmers and their families to help supplement their incomes. The exporting of woolen clothing can be dated back to 17th Century with woolen clothing from the Channel Islands to supply the fishing industry with practical and warm clothing.

The Industrial revolution led to wool spinning and cloth making, being carried out in factories rather than in the home. People who would have knitted at home were now employed in factories t ooperate machinery. Hand knitted garments could not compete with the availablity and cost of machine produced fabric and clothes. In Victorian times knitting became an art for the well-bred lady. Even Queen Vctoria herself was seen to knit. Lace and beaded knitting were popular and it was more of a craft hobby than a cottage industry as before. Now that the middle/upper classes were knitting, patterns started to be written down and passed on. It was in the 19th century that knitting 'pins' as in the long, bobble-ended type we use today for flat knitting, were first invented. The original English/UK needle sizes from 1 to 26 were specified - the higher the number, the thinner the needle. For some perspective on how intricate Victorian lace knitting could be, a size 20 (1mm) needle for specified for lace knitting.

During the second World War, wool and many other things were in short supply, people would unpick old sweaters to resuse the yarn. Contributions to the war front were done by women knitting uniforms, even bandages for the troops on the front line. When the war was over, rationing was still in place and people still used hand knitting as a way to enhance their clothes. Into the 1950's and the availablity of colours and yarns made knitting a fashionable tool to enhance your wardrobe and home.

Knitwear moved through the 1960's and 1970's fashion rollercoasters, The twinset, a short sleeve jumper and matching cardigan was a popular pattern and many patterns became available to women to create themselves in various bright colours. The low point I think was garish patterned jumpers of the late 70's and early 80's. This was the start of knittings temporary demise. As the feminist movement got started, hobbies that were seen as purely female and women's work such as knitting, sewing and baking, were no longer fashionable. The availability of cheap mass produced clothes made these arts un-necessary and something grandmothers did to pass the time, not a modern women with a career.

There does seem to have been something of a revival for knitting and sewing in recent times. Celebrities have been seen knitting (Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts) which has helped with its popularity and no longer are the old, traditionally women's crafts, seen as sexist chains holding women back in the work place. The 2 main stitches of knit and purl can be used in so many ways to create useful and amazing pieces of clothing. New techniques and ideas are unfolding all the time and are free for all to learn, use and experiment with, this is the best thing about fashion in my opinion. No one owns the ideas and style, everyone can be inspired and create their own.

About the Author

Ann Barrago

http://www.retro-makeyourown-styleguide.com/Info/Knitting-Patterns/A-Brief-History-of-Knitting.html

How long does it take to learn the art of knitting?

I want to make an eternity scarf for the winter but I do not know how to knit. How long did it take you to get the hang of knitting when you first learned? What level of experience do you need to make a scarf that is attached at both ends?
I don't have ANY experience in Knitting. Do you have a book or website that you'd suggest for me to learn by?

It all depends on how dedicated you are. It took me about 20 minutes before my mum was able to stop watching me. This little rhyme might help once you get the basics "In through the front door, once 'round the back, Peek through the window, and out pops Jack." I learnt this about a year after I started knitting, and I can tell you it would have helped heaps! Get pretty much any knitting book you can find, they all have the basic how to knit somewhere in there. But the one I would recommend is Stitch 'n Itch. (Obviosly I had to miss the B in itch, but it's the title of the book.) Debbie Stoller is the mother of knitting in America, her instructions and patterns are fantastic. I hope this helps, and Good Luck!! Oh, and to knit a simple scarf all you need to know is the basic knit stitch. I'd learn that one first, then after you've mastered it you can move on to the purl stitch, then try something a bit more complicated and you're off!

Knitting - Long-Tail Cast-on

Ed Hardy Knit Women's Long Sleeve V-neck Drawstring Hooded Pouch Pocket Printed Motif Sweater Top $74.99 Rhinestone embellishments and a custom Ed Hardy print highlights this stylish hooded sweater. A front pouch pocket and V-neck styling finish this sweater.

Ed Hardy Knit Women's Long Sleeve Zip Front 2-pocket Front Printed Motif Tunic Cardigan $76.99 Rhinestone embellishments and a custom Ed hardy print highlights this stylish cardigan. Two front pockets and a zip-front closure finish this tunic cardigan.

Ed Hardy Knit Women's Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Printed Motif Tunic Top $76.99 Rhinestone embellishments accentuate this stylish Ed Hardy sweater. This top features long sleeves and a scoop neckline.

Think Knit Women's Long-sleeve Pintuck V-neck Top $39.99 The seductive shirt spotlights a V-neckline, long sleeves and front pintuck detailing. This charming women's top from Think Knit is finished with a comfortable rayon- and spandex-blend construction.

Ed Hardy Knit Women's Long Sleeve Scoop Neck Printed Motif Tunic Top $69.99 Rhinestone embellishments accentuate this stylish Ed Hardy sweater. This top features long sleeves and a scoop neckline.

24/7 Comfort Women's Long Sleeve Knit Top $34.99 This top from 24/7 Comfort Apparel features a scoop neck and long sleeves. With blended fabric construction, this top is the perfect addition to any wardrobe.

Ed Hardy Knit Women's Long Sleeve Printed Motif Button Up Tunic Cardigan $76.99 Rhinestone embellishments and a custom print accentuate this button front cardigan tunic from Ed Hardy. Two front pockets and V-neck styling highlight this stylish top.

Think Knit Women's Bead Detail Long-sleeve Knit Top $29.99 Floral sequin accents highlight this top by Think Knit. 3/4-length sleeves and a round neckline complete the look of this knit top.

Learn to Knit on Long Looms (Paperback) $6.76 Learning to create knit garments without needles is the focus of this stitch-pattern collection and instructional reference. By using long looms, crafters can simplify two-color work, master larger projects, and make double-knit fabrics with&...

California Bloom Women's Vintage Print Long-sleeve Knit Top $26.49 This knit top by California Bloom features a fashionable filigree design. Long-sleeves and a handkerchief hem complete the look of this top.

Learn to Knit on Long Looms $8.05 Learn to Knit on Long Looms

Extra Long Ribbed Knit Leg Warmer $8.99 Extra long ribbed knit leg warmers.

Atlanta Thrashers Xtra Long Knit Hat $8.99 Atlanta Thrashers Xtra Long Knit Hat

Scandinavian Pattern Knit Long Scarf $98 The Scandinavian pattern of this knit long scarf has a warm, wintery feel that will have you longing for winter all year long. Made in Italy.

Cable Knit Fringed Long Scarf $74 Whether playing in the snow or out and about, you're sure to stay cozy with this stylishly long cable knit scarf. Signature envelope included. Italian design.

Stripes Printed U-Neck Knit Long T $28 Stripes Printed U-Neck Knit Long T - I'Miusa

Jeweled Logo Knit Long Scarf $198 Keep your look simple and up-to-date with Cavalli's solid knit long scarf featuring the brand logo in sparkling jewels. Signature envelope included. Made in Italy.

Learn to Knit on Long Looms (Paperback) $5.08 Learning to create knit garments without needles is the focus of this stitch-pattern collection and instructional reference. By using long looms, crafters can simplify two-color work, master larger projects, and make double-knit fabrics with more options for surface texture. From simple scarves to detailed felted slippers, the designs in this resource will allure seasoned experts looking for new ways to knit, as well as beginner-level stitchers who are still trying to master using needles. Projects are accompanied by instructional photographs and include a baby blanket, an afghan, a tasseled scarf, a shawl, and a garden party table setting.

Kr3w Lawton Knit Long Sleeve Shirt $38 Kr3w Lawton Knit Long Sleeve Shirt: Hit the streets in the Kr3w Lawton Knit Long Sleeve Shirt. Slightly slouchy for that lived-in look, the Kr3w Lawton Knit Long Sleeve Shirt will make your friends say, damn you look good.

Knit $14.35 Knit

Striped Knit Long Scarf $165 Made in Italy

Dallas Cowboys Women's Knit Hat: White Long Pom Knit Hat $19.99 Keep your dome warm and show off your Dallas Cowboys team spirit with this Dallas Cowboys Women's Knit Hat: White Long Pom Knit Hat. Features a flat knit with jacquard stripes design and a flat embroidered Cowboys logo. This is an absolute must-have for any Dallas Cowboys fan's headwear collection. 100% Acrylic Gathered stitching on back Variegated yarn & metallic thread pom Machine washable and easy to wear Officially licensed by the NFL

Chicago Bears Women's Knit Hat: White Long Pom Knit Hat $19.99 Keep your dome warm and show off your Chicago Bears team spirit with this Chicago Bears Women's Knit Hat: White Long Pom Knit Hat. Features a flat knit with jacquard stripes design and a flat embroidered Bears logo. This is an absolute must-have for any Chicago Bears fan's headwear collection. 100% Acrylic Gathered stitching on back Variegated yarn & metallic thread pom Machine washable and easy to wear Officially licensed by the NFL

Minnesota Vikings Women's Knit Hat: White Long Pom Knit Hat $19.99 Keep your dome warm and show off your Minnesota Vikings team spirit with this Minnesota Vikings Women's Knit Hat: White Long Pom Knit Hat. Features a flat knit with jacquard stripes design and a flat embroidered Vikings logo. This is an absolute must-have for any Minnesota Vikings fan's headwear collection. 100% Acrylic Gathered stitching on back Variegated yarn & metallic thread pom Machine washable and easy to wear Officially licensed by the NFL

Pittsburgh Steelers Women's Knit Hat: White Long Pom Knit Hat $19.99 Keep your dome warm and show off your Pittsburgh Steelers team spirit with this Pittsburgh Steelers Women's Knit Hat: White Long Pom Knit Hat. Features a flat knit with jacquard stripes design and a flat embroidered Steelers logo. This is an absolute must-have for any Pittsburgh Steelers fan's headwear collection. 100% Acrylic Gathered stitching on back Variegated yarn & metallic thread pom Machine washable and easy to wear Officially licensed by the NFL

LUREX RIBBED KNIT LONG LEG WARMERS RHINESTONE BUTTON $16.99 Lurex ribbed knit extra long leg warmers with rhinestone button detail.

Crystal Logo Solid Knit Long Scarf $210 Slip on a stylish and warm long knit scarf by Roberto Cavalli this winter to make a flashy statement. In a toasty wool blend, it features a two-tone RC script logo dazzled with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Made in Italy.

LIME KNIT LONG SLEEVE DRAPED OPEN FRONT CARDIGAN $19.99 A lightweight knit cardigan cut long with a draped open front and long sleeves. Polyester/Rayon. 0624